Tag: about

Learn About Signs That a Heater Needs to Be Repaired

Gloved hand with a wrench on electrical components during mechanical assembly for home services by The Meridian Company.

What Should Homeowners Look out for to Determine if Their Heaters Need Repair?

A malfunctioning heater, especially in the winter, can be a significant problem for homeowners. A professional will need to be contacted to fix the issue, but homeowners need to be able to identify their heating systems are having trouble. Here are some typical signs that can alert homeowners that heater repair may be needed.  

Unusually High Utility Bills 

Woman sitting on a couch, shocked while checking a high utility bill on a calculator, with papers and home decor in the background, illustrating the impact of energy costs on homeowners.When homeowners notice a higher-than-normal utility bill without an increase in the household’s energy or fuel consumption, it may indicate an issue with the heating system. Heaters can lose energy efficiency for several reasons, causing an increase in costs. 

Some possible causes of inefficiency could be a problem with the heating system needing repair, neglected maintenance, or the heater losing efficiency as it ages. So, if this sign is noticed, a technician should be called to inspect the system, determine the cause of lost efficiency, and perform the necessary solution, whether that’s repair, maintenance, or replacement.  

Don’t Ignore Unusual Smells or Sounds

Woman pinching her nose, indicating a bad smell, relevant to unusual smells from heating systems needing repair or maintenance.If a homeowner notices a burning smell or other unusual smells when the heater is running, there could be a problem with the system, such as an overheating furnace. If it is not repaired quickly, the heater may cease to work, or it could lead to more dangerous issues. 

Unusual sounds like squeaking, rattling, knocking, or grinding should also be addressed quickly, as they can indicate a problem with the heater that needs to be fixed. When ignored, the heating system may fail, so a professional should be called in as soon as possible to prevent a system breakdown. 

Insufficient Heating in Homes 

If the heater fails to heat the home to the temperature on the thermostat or there is weak airflow or uneven heating, it’s another sign the heating system is not working properly. There could be a malfunctioning part requiring repair or maintenance issues that are affecting airflow. 

Besides a total lack of heating, there could also be cold spots in the home or rooms that do not get warm enough, causing uneven heating throughout the home. A professional should be called to inspect the system and identify the issue to determine the best solution to restore warmth and comfort to the home. 

About Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical

Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical is a local family-owned business serving East Lansing, MI, and the surrounding areas. They provide fast response, superior customer service, and tailored solutions. Call them today for heating repair in East Lansing, MI. 

Distribution Links +

Frequently Asked Questions About Trenchless Pipe Repair

Tree roots entwined with a pipe in a lush forest, showcasing nature and infrastructure.

What Exactly Is a Trenchless Repair?

One of the most dreaded plumbing problems homeowners can face is an issue with the underground pipes, whether a sewer line or a buried water supply pipe. In many cases, repairing underground plumbing requires digging up the pipe in question, which can be an extremely messy and expensive process. That’s where trenchless repair comes in.

Trenchless pipe repair, as the name suggests, is a way of repairing - or even replacing - underground pipes without digging a trench in the yard or breaking through the home’s foundation. This article will explore the different trenchless repair methods, how they work, what they can achieve, and the benefits of trenchless repairs.

How Does Trenchless Pipe Repair Work?

Comparison of a corroded underground pipe on the left and a newly installed Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP) on the right, illustrating trenchless pipe repair methods.Trenchless repair typically begins with an inspection of the underground pipe to find the problem - this is usually achieved by feeding a small video camera into the pipe itself. Once the problem has been identified, professionals can use three main trenchless repair methods: slip lining, Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP), and pipe bursting.

Slip lining and CIPP are similar in that they involve inserting an epoxy-coated flexible tube into the existing pipe. This inner pipe liner is expanded and heated, causing the epoxy to cure and harden. The liner then becomes a pipe within a pipe, sealing cracks and effectively replacing the old pipe without digging it up. These are both effective methods, but they can somewhat reduce the diameter of the pipe, which can be a drawback.

Pipe bursting involves pulling a conical “bursting head” through the existing pipe, which breaks it apart and pushes the pieces outward. A new HDPE (high-density polyethylene) pipe is dragged behind the bursting head, taking the place of the old pipe as it is broken up and pushed away. Unlike the other two methods, this does not result in a narrower pipe diameter. All of these methods typically involve digging small holes at each end of the pipe being repaired or replaced, but this is much less invasive than excavating the entire pipe.

What Issues Can Be Fixed Using Trenchless Repair?

Trenchless pipe repair can solve many issues that would otherwise require massive excavation. It can be used to correct pipe misalignment caused by erosion or soil shifting. Trenchless repairs are often used to remove invading tree roots from sewer lines and repair the damage to the pipe (although additional measures will likely need to be taken to prevent future root invasions). 

Trenchless methods can also resolve sewage backups and repair cracks in older pipes made of PVC plastic, clay, cast iron, or lead. Or homeowners can simply opt for a trenchless pipe replacement to eliminate outdated underground pipes.

What are the Advantages of Trenchless Repairs?

Alarm clock next to stacked coins representing time and cost savings, symbolizing the efficiency of trenchless pipe repair methods.Trenchless repairs have several advantages over a traditional pipe excavation. They tend to take much less time. Digging a trench can be very time-consuming, especially if it involves breaking through a sidewalk or driveway. Putting the yard back together after the repairs are done can add several days and more expenses to the process. 

Another benefit is that trenchless repairs are much less invasive and destructive. Having the yard look like a construction zone for days on end isn’t exactly appealing to most homeowners. The relatively small holes required for trenchless repair are discreet and modest by comparison. 

And, of course, with less heavy-duty equipment, less labor, less time, and less reconstruction, trenchless repairs are generally much less expensive. So if homeowners have issues with their underground plumbing, they would do well to ask their local plumber about trenchless repairs. 

About Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical

Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical is a locally owned and operated company with over three decades of experience serving Lansing, MI, and the surrounding areas. They provide superior customer service, fast response, and tailored solutions. Call them today for plumbing services in Lansing, MI.

Distribution Links +

Learn About Alternative Energy to Celebrate Earth Day!

Human hands holding a blue and green globe, showcasing Earth with landmasses; emphasizes HVAC and environmental awareness.

Alternative Energy: What It Is and How It Can Help the Planet

Earth Day is just around the corner, and there’s no better time to learn about alternative energy. “Green” technology has come a  long way in recent years. What was once only a way to save a few bucks a month on energy costs is now a way to help save the planet— while saving more than a few bucks a month. The benefits are far-reaching and not only limited to a homeowner’s energy bill. In fact, many energy-efficient technologies for the home come with tax breaks and a clean conscience. Read on to discover the best alternative energy options available today. 

The Power of Solar Power

Solar panels under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds, representing renewable energy solutions for eco-friendly home maintenance.Solar power has been around for a while now, but it just keeps getting better and better. The sun is an obvious source of energy to harness. After all, the sun is already essential for life on earth. The nice thing about solar energy today is that it doesn’t have to be sunny to generate it. 

Today’s solar panels generate more power on sunny days, but some cloud cover doesn’t prevent a home from generating electricity. Plus, solar panels transfer the power they generate to batteries so they can be used at a later time, like during nighttime.

Although they can be a bit of an investment, solar panels can cover most of a home’s electricity costs, lower utility bills, and reduce the homeowner’s carbon footprint.  

Breezy Wind Energy

Three wind turbines against a blue sky with clouds, representing renewable wind energy solutions for residential use.Wind energy is a less popular tactic than solar energy for homes, but it’s still available. It used to be that wind turbines were only available only for those with large swathes of land. However, today they’re available for private residences, as well. They come in free-standing models or those that can be integrated into a home or building. They generate electricity as the wind turns the turbines. That electricity can then be used to run household items. 

Some wind turbines can be rather large and somewhat noisy, but they’re always evolving and getting better. However, since they can be an eyesore and can make a bit of noise, zoning laws in certain areas prevent their installation. For this reason, homeowners are advised to research their local laws for more information. 

Other Alternative Energy Systems

Wind and solar aren’t the only alternative energy systems available. In fact, several more systems can help homeowners save money and reduce their carbon footprint all at once. One of them is geothermal energy. The heat from the earth’s surface is fairly similar around the world, and geothermal heat pumps harness that heat to keep homes comfortable. These systems can be integrated into an existing HVAC system. They also require little or no greenhouse gases to operate. 

Another excellent option for homes on properties with running water is called micro-hydropower. These systems don’t have to have big rivers to generate power, either. They can run on even small streams to generate electricity - and these can be done without building a dam on the stream. 

About Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical

Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical has been serving Lansing, MI, with pride since 1984. They offer full-service solutions from professional, expertly-trained technicians. They also have a satisfaction guarantee on every job. Contact them to work with experienced electricians in Lansing today!

Distribution Links +

The Facts About Pipe Installation

A hand using an adjustable wrench on a valve with brass plumbing parts, showcasing home maintenance by The Meridian Company.

All There Is to Know About Pipe Installation

The piping system of a home is often forgotten. The "out of sight, out of mind" mentality is all too real when it comes to pipes. That said, they are one of the most important aspects of the modern home because they keep the plumbing system moving, which in turn keeps the home moving. Without all their hard work, society would look a lot different. 

That's why it is so crucial to take care of the home's piping system. Pretty much every area of the home has pipes running to and from it, and the best way to maintain clean pipes is by maintaining clean plumbing fixtures. 

But for the problems that can't be fixed with a simple cleaner, professional plumbers can keep a home working efficiently. Sometimes it even takes a whole-home piping installation to get the job done right. 

When Is the Right Time for Piping Installation?

Professional plumber in blue uniform holding plumbing tools, emphasizing the importance of expert piping installation and maintenance for home plumbing systems.

Without the help of a professional, it is nearly impossible to know if a home needs a whole-home piping installation performed. That said, there are some key things homeowners can look for that point to a need for replacement. 

Some common warning signs include: 

  • Discolored water
  • Corrosion in certain places of piping
  • Struggle from multiple clogs
  • Frequent leaks
  • Aged pipes

Old age is the most common reason for a whole-home piping installation. But if the previous homeowner didn't take care of the plumbing, pipes might need replacement sooner than anticipated. 

Available Piping Services

Plumber in safety gear inspecting piping during installation process, emphasizing professional plumbing services for home piping needs.

Many people think about whole-home piping installation when they hear the words "piping installation," but this isn't the only service available. Houses are a labyrinth of pipes that work together to form the plumbing system. 

That said, just because one part of the plumbing system is bad doesn't mean the rest is. It is entirely possible, and in most cases recommended, to have outdoor piping installed or indoor piping done. 

Two plumbing systems work in tandem to keep the home moving properly. When living in an area prone to rainstorms and flooding, homeowners might need their outdoor pipes replaced sooner than the pipes that keep toilets, sinks, and showers going.

The only way to know for sure is to call in a professional to take a look. A professional can perform remote inspection and give advice on how to proceed. 

Tools Needed for Pipe Installation

First and foremost, a plumber will perform some inspection to ensure the pipes actually need replacement. This can happen in a few different ways, but many plumbers today will perform a camera pipe inspection. This type of inspection can be done remotely and provides video footage of the inside of the pipes.

Plumbing installation tools including pipe fittings, a wrench, and gloves on a wooden surface, relevant for home plumbing services and pipe replacement.

When the plumber installs new pipes into the home, they will need a few key tools. Some of these tools include: 

  • A welder's gauge
  • Fitter grips
  • Pipe fitter's square
  • Pipe wraps
  • Two-hole pin pipe fitting tool
  • Magnetic centering heads
  • Magnetic flange aligners

No matter what tool the plumber might need, they will come prepared with everything they need to get the job done right! Once a new piping system is installed into the home, these new pipes should last at least 50 years! 

Homeowners shouldn't hesitate to have a whole-home piping installation done to their home. It will save money in the long run and keep the home efficient and safe for decades. 

Trusted Local Plumbing Professionals

No matter the time of day or night, the professionals at Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical are there to help. They believe in providing excellent customer service and quality work. When having plumbing issues, homeowners can rest assured that the job will get done right the first time!

Distribution Links +